Originally Posted by
AllTheNines
I've done some further research and lots of people are suggesting that the Gendarmenmarkt might be a good alternative. A quieter event, lots of food and beer, and their own fireworks display.
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Prague (looks even more dangerous than Berlin on NYE!)
Just to make the point clear, Berlin will be happy but in no way dangerous. I feel safer in the centre of Berlin in the middle of the night than I would in Sheffield or Newcastle (though, for the sake of full disclosure, I can't remember the last time I was in the centre of either in the middle of the night!) There will be lots of people and alcohol and fireworks, but I doubt anything more 'physical' than that.
I appreciate your thoughts on Club Europe and I know where you are coming from - whilst not a regular I've taken enough CE flights to understand that it's not amazing. However, with the help of FT I've been lucky enough to try Business/First class several times and through my work I've had the privilege of flying on numerous private jets. This is a luxury that my Dad (a labourer since turned bus driver due to his accident several years ago) could not possibly imagine. He gets excited going long haul in Y, he's from a family where a trip to Clacton was their idea of a Summer holiday! So please try to appreciate the fact that for the likes of most FT'ers CE is something that we can afford to turn our nose up at, but for him (especially a few free drinks at the lounge and attentive service on board) will be a totally new experience.
I think you are doing a very nice thing for your father. We do get a bit jaded here, and I think he'll really appreciate it. ^